Karlos Williams, Florida State

Prior to 2013, Karlos Williams was a safety. At safety, Williams was a fine player that was a starting quality player, but his true calling was at running back. Athletically, Williams is a man among boys. Size, speed, power; Williams has it all. Last season, Williams was raw at finding lanes and making decisions, but his athletic dominance was enough to allow him to brutalize opponents regardless. If he can hone his athletic traits and develop the mental traits needed from a running back, Williams may be the first running back off the board in May. 

Jeremy Langford, Michigan State

After being overshadowed by Le’Veon Bell, Langford burst onto the scene in 2013. He strapped the Michigan State offense on his back, rushing for 18 touchdowns and over 1,400 yards. Langford is a well-rounded running back that can beat you in any situation in a handful of fashions. He has the power to pummell players, but also has enough quickness to sidestep an aggressive defender. If Langford can replicate, or better yet build upon, his 2013 season, Langford will be a hot name in war rooms. 

Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska

Abdullah is a smaller, quicker running back. He may fall short in the trenches, but let him free in space and points are bound to be scored. His shiftiness made a handful of defenders suffer whiplash and he made one or two lightning quick steps to “disappear.” With the increasing amount if spread offenses at the pro level, a back like Abdullah that thrives in space will be coveted.

Terrence McGee, LSU

Jeremy Hill was the big name down in Baton Rouge last season at running back, but his successor, McGee, may be even better. While Hill is more if a bruiser, McGee was the quicker running back that complimented Hill perfectly. That being said, he is not a stunning athlete, but he is a balanced running back that will take what is provided. McGee may not be a feature back, but he can contribute. 

Jordan James, UCLA

UCLA's running back corps is incredibly deep and talented, and James plays a key role in that. Considering Doug Mazzone's scheme requires it, James is a masterful receiving threat out of the backfield and is, in some sense, a knock-off Arian Foster as a runner. James is not a starting caliber running back, but he is an ideal depth player and third down back.